When Jason Corbett, an Irish widower and father of two young children, found love again with his American au pair, Molly Martens, in 2008, their relationship seemed ripped from the pages of a storybook. The couple, along with Jason’s kids, Jack and Sarah, moved from Ireland to North Carolina to build a new life together. But on Aug. 2, 2015, their idyllic tale took a dark turn when Jason was killed in a violent altercation at home. The perpetrators? Molly and her father, Thomas Martens — a former FBI agent. 

(L to R) Molly Martens Corbett and Jason Corbett

Molly and Thomas claimed self-defense, the former eventually pleading no contest and the latter guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2023 to avoid a trial, but their release from prison in June 2024 reignited questions over the incident’s true nature. Was this actually self-defense, as they argued, or a calculated killing? For some, the intricacies of Jason and Molly’s marriage add further complexity, including a long-simmering debate over the custody of Jack and Sarah, who were 10 and 8 years old, respectively, at the time of Jason’s death. 

Produced and directed by Jessica Burgess (Rich & Shameless, American Monster) and Jenny Popplewell (What Jennifer Did, American Murder: The Family Next Door), A Deadly American Marriage explores the mystery behind Jason Corbett’s death. The documentary features exclusive interviews with Molly, Thomas, Jack, and Sarah, offering a rare glimpse into the conflicting perspectives of those closest to the case. 

The film asks viewers to reflect on the elusive truths beneath a once seemingly fairy-tale life that ended in tragedy.

Here’s everything to know about A Deadly American Marriage. 

When is the A Deadly American Marriage release date?

The documentary film premiered on May 9.

Where can I see the trailer for A Deadly American Marriage?

Get a glimpse of the complex case and hear from those affected in the trailer at the top of the page.

What is A Deadly American Marriage about?

The film sheds light on the many lingering questions stemming from the events of Aug. 2, 2015, when Jason Corbett died at the hands of his wife Molly and her father, Thomas — a former FBI agent. The documentary explores Jason’s killing, which Molly and Thomas argue was self-defense.

(Top) Jason and Molly, (Bottom) Jack and Sarah

Who was Jason Corbett?

Jason Corbett was originally from Ireland. He lived in Limerick with his wife, Margaret “Mags” Fitzpatrick, and two children, Jack and Sarah. In November 2006, mere months after Sarah was born, Margaret tragically died, leaving Jason caring for two small children. After his wife’s death, Jason wrote a will naming his sister, Tracey, and her husband, David, guardians of Jack and Sarah in the event of his death. In 2008, looking for help raising his young kids, Jason, then 32, posted a profile on an au pair agency website, and hired 24-year-old American Molly Martens.

Who are Molly and Tom Martens?

Molly, originally from Tennessee, worked for Jason as an au pair in Ireland. After their engagement, Jason moved his job to North Carolina to be with her. They eventually married and settled in Lexington, North Carolina, with Jack and Sarah, in 2011. Molly’s father, Tom Martens, had a 30-year career as an FBI agent, including extensive counterintelligence experience. He and his wife lived in Knoxville, Tennessee.  

Who are Sarah and Jack Corbett?

Jack, 20 and Sarah, 18 are the son and daughter of Jason Corbett from his first marriage to Margaret “Mags” Fitzpatrick. They live in Ireland under the guardianship of their aunt Tracey Corbett-Lynch and her husband David.

Who’s interviewed in A Deadly American Marriage?

The documentary’s exclusive interviews with Molly, Thomas, Jason’s kids, Jack and Sarah, plus his sister Tracey and brother-in-law David present the divergent perspectives of those directly impacted by his killing.

Get the latest updates on A Deadly American Marriage and read insights from directors Jessica Burgess and Jenny Popplewell here. 

Watch A Deadly American Marriage on Netflix now.